The Cyber Hymnal ‎#5067

5067. The Old Rugged Cross

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
• Title: The Old Rugged Cross
• Author: George Bennard (1913)
• Refrain First Line: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: The Old Rugged Cross was written in Albion, Michigan. Or Pokagon, Michigan. Or Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. All three towns claim to be the birthplace of this hymn.

Tune Information

• Name: [On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross]
• Composer: George Bennard (1913)
• Incipit: 34546 55565 76667
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain